Abstract: A camera system can provide an in-store experience to a remote user according to some aspects described herein. In one example, a system can receive images from a camera that is oriented toward a display case at a physical location. The system can analyze the images to identify different types of objects in the display case. The system can then provide information about the different types of objects identified in the display case to a user device of a user that is remote from the physical location. The user device can receive the information and generate a graphical user interface that displays the information to the user.

Abstract: An improved speech-based/natural language point-of-sale customer order system which is useful for any business that interacts with customers through speech or sound. Despite the advances in speech recognition, currently available voice ordering interfaces have proven to be unintuitive and lack reliability. Voice recognition has so far proven to be inefficient in retail contexts, and therefore voice recognition has so far achieved a low level of usage penetration in the retail sector. The present invention facilitates the automated operation of the ordering function of a drive-through restaurant, fast food restaurant or other business establishment by replacing an employee or other means of capturing order data with an ordering system employing a highly accurate speech recognition component that is able to be trained to recognize a wide vocabulary of words, and associate tones and other metadata in a manner not previously achieved in speech-to-text systems.

Abstract: In a wallet server including a processor having hardware, the processor acquires image information that includes a captured image of food provided to a user transmitted from a store terminal of a store providing the food, and user information related to the user provided with the food, and associates the acquired image information with the user information and transmits a display instruction to instruct display of the image information and a screen for accepting input of evaluation for the food to a user terminal of the user determined based on the user information.

Abstract: An improved speech-based/natural language point-of-sale customer order system which is useful for any business that interacts with customers through speech or sound. Despite the advances in speech recognition, currently available voice ordering interfaces have proven to be unintuitive and lack reliability. Voice recognition has so far proven to be inefficient in retail contexts, and therefore voice recognition has so far achieved a low level of usage penetration in the retail sector. The present invention facilitates the automated operation of the ordering function of a drive-through restaurant, fast food restaurant or other business establishment by replacing an employee or other means of capturing order data with an ordering system employing a highly accurate speech recognition component that is able to be trained to recognize a wide vocabulary of words, and associate tones and other metadata in a manner not previously achieved in speech-to-text systems.

Abstract: A payment handling system may operate to handle payments for the cost of a transaction in which one or more devices operate in an offline mode. The payment handling system may allow for merchant devices to make modifications to local versions of an open ticket while in an off-line mode. When a merchant device subsequently enters an online mode, the systems and techniques may operate to reconcile differences between the local versions of the open ticket.

Abstract: A server apparatus allows wait-listed customers to register information for the purposes of line placement and subsequent verification upon return. A customer can register a face image and contact information with a registration module of the server apparatus. When the next customer is called, a paging module of the server apparatus notifies the customer. An identification module of the server apparatus can take a second image of the person who responded to the call for comparison with the original image. Based on the result obtained from the identification module, a determination module of the server apparatus can verify the identity of the responding person. The server apparatus then provides table guide information to the verified customer.

Abstract: Provided are check-in to checkout systems and methods. The system includes a point of sale, a display, a mobile device, and a backend system. When the POS starts a transaction, such as, but not limited to scanning an item, the POS generates a transaction/basket identification. In response to starting the transaction, the POS sends the transaction/basket ID to the display in the form of a QR code or one-dimensional barcode. The mobile device operating a mobile application scans and captures the displayed code and reports to the backend systems. The backend systems then send a check-in event, which includes gathered data by the backend systems, to the POS and the POS acknowledges receipt of the message. At this point, a notification may be sent to the mobile application that the check-in was successful and a link is established for flow of information.

Abstract: An order information processing device includes: an input unit which receives input of one or more pieces of order information; and a processor which executes a function of: when an order information set is registered, the order information set including a plurality of pieces of the order information which are same as one another and are input together, segmenting the order information set to change or delete a part of the order information set.

Abstract: Provided are systems and methods for facilitating bill payment functionality in mobile commerce. In one embodiment, a method can include receiving a transaction code at the mobile device, transmitting the transaction code to a merchant device for association with a transaction, receiving transaction information associated with a transaction based on the transaction code at the mobile device, displaying the transaction information at the mobile device; displaying at least one payment option at the mobile device, receiving a selection of one of the at least one payment option; transmitting the selected payment option and transaction information from the mobile device for approval of the payment of the transaction, receiving notification of approval of the payment at the mobile device, and receiving a payment completion code associated with the notification of approval, wherein the payment completion code is provided to the consumer on a bill associated with the transaction.

Abstract: A container monitoring method and apparatus, which are used for monitoring a plurality of monitored objects running on a physical machine. The type of plurality of monitored objects comprising at least one of a container, a process-in-container, or a thread-in-container. The physical machines comprising a primary monitor. The primary monitor receives monitoring information respectively reported by the multiple monitored objects. Monitoring information of monitored objects of a same type in the multiple monitored objects is reported by using a same channel. The primary monitor determines respective service statuses of the multiple monitored objects according to the monitoring information and unique identifiers. This can reduce resources consumed during monitoring in the prior art, and resolve a problem that a requirement for multidimensional monitoring on a container cannot be met due to high resource consumption.

Abstract: The disclosed technique enables a consumer who uses a payment object to pay for goods or services to specify, by using a mobile device, how the transaction amount should be apportioned among multiple payers. In certain embodiments, the technique involves communication between a mobile payment application installed on the consumer's mobile device and a remote payment service system (PSS). The mobile payment application enables the user to specify how many payers there are, who the payers are, and exactly how the transaction amount should be apportioned among the payers. The mobile payment application communicates this information to the PSS, which then executes or triggers reimbursement to carry out the specified apportionment.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a method for recognizing a table for an electronic menu system based on visible light and an apparatus for the same. The method includes receiving, by a visible light receiver connected to a smart device provided to a customer in a restaurant, multiple visible light signals from multiple lamps installed in the restaurant; detecting at least one valid signal from the multiple visible light signals in consideration of the multiple visible light signals and sensor data collected from a sensor installed in the smart device; and recognizing a table at which the customer is sitting using table information included in the at least one valid signal.

Abstract: Various embodiments each include at least one of systems, methods, devices, and software for operating mobile devices as beacon devices. One embodiment in the form of a method includes retrieving data, from a backend system by a mobile device app that executes on a first mobile device, of an open bill associated in the backend system with a first customer account. This method further includes receiving a radio signal via a transceiver of the mobile device. The radio signal in such embodiments includes an identifier encoded therein. The method also includes transmitting the identifier encoded in the received radio signal to the backend system to associate a second customer account with the open bill in the backend system, the second customer account associated with the identifier.

Abstract: Techniques and arrangements for dynamically modifying a user interface on a computing device of a point-of-sale (POS) system based on a location of the computing device. The location can be associated with a functionality of the user interface. The user interface can include one or more icons corresponding to selectable items that correspond to the functionality. A modification to the user interface can include an adjustment to a visual appearance of an icon and/or a replacement of an icon with another icon.

Abstract: A system for managing a restaurant comprises a restaurant server including a graphical user interface. The graphical user interface comprises a display and an input interface. The display displays reservation information for the restaurant. The reservation information includes a colored indicator of a status. The input interface receives an indication to display the reservation information for the restaurant.

Abstract: A non-transitory computer readable storage medium having instructions embodied therewith, the instructions executable by a processor or programmable circuitry to cause the processor or programmable circuitry to perform operations including obtaining training data including a sample value of one or more input features of an item and a sample value of an output feature representing demand for the item, and training, based on the training data, an estimation model that estimates a new value of the output feature for the item based on new values of the one or more input features. The one or more input features may include a relative price of the item relative to prices of a plurality of items.

Abstract: According to exemplary methods, automated image processing of images from order locations of a multi-lane drive-thru system is continually performed using an automated ordering system. It is automatically determined if a vehicle is present at any of the order locations based on the automated image processing. It is automatically determined if an order has been initiated into the automated ordering system. When the order has been initiated while the vehicle is present at any of the order locations, an automated sequencing processing is automatically begun. The automated sequencing processing determines an order pick-up sequence for picking up orders at pickup windows of the multi-lane drive-thru system. When the order has been initiated while the vehicle is not present at any of the order locations, a potential out-of-sequence warning is automatically associated with the order and output from the automated ordering system.

Abstract: In various implementations, customer service may be provided using a pager and/or user device. Signal(s) associated with a pager and/or user device may be received. One or more metrics may be determined at least partially based on the received signals. The metric(s) may be monitored. In various implementations, a management system of a location may receive a signal from a pager and/or user device indicating that an event has occurred at the location. A time the signal is received by the management system may be determined. One or more time-related metrics may be determined based at least partially on the received signal, the determined time, or both.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate transacting in advance. More specifically, various embodiments relate to detecting a mobile computing device of a user within a proximity of a banking location; receiving, via the mobile application, an indication of a type of transaction to be conducted; and directing, via the mobile application, the user to an area of the banking location based on the type of transaction to complete the transaction.

Abstract: Various embodiments herein each include at least one of systems, devices, methods, and software for shared transactions. One method embodiment includes determining whether there are open orders with regard to a location included in first order input received via a network. When there is an open order with regard to the location, the method then transmits a request for second order input indicating whether to add the order input to the at least one open order or to open a new order. When the received second order input specifies that a new order is to be opened, the method opens a new order with regard to the location. When the received second order input specifies that the received first order input is to be added an open order, the method includes adding the first order input to an open order.

Abstract: Systems and methods of a power saving intelligent locator system for locating a user within a space, the system includes providing a tag cloud having tags that communicate tag data with aggregators. The tag cloud and aggregators located within the space form a meshed network, the aggregators communicate data to a computer in communication with a cloud-based network. A user smart device with a mobile application wirelessly communicates with an internet system in communication with the cloud-based network. Receiving by the computer, information about the user smart device entering the meshed network by wireless tags positioned within the space. Information is obtained by the tags during a recognition process by wirelessly transmitting messages between the wireless tags to aggregators, and then wirelessly transmitting information from the aggregators to the computer, the computer communicates with the cloud-based network, the wireless tags transition from a sleep state to an active state.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to a computer-implemented expense splitting method and system for allowing a payer to divide expenses among multiple purchasers. The method may include storing, in at least one computer memory, payer data and expense splitting instructions and accessing the computer memory with at least one computer processor and executing the instructions to perform multiple steps. The steps may include converting a captured receipt image to purchase data and providing a user interface displaying entries corresponding to purchases, and further providing a tagging option for tagging each of the entries with an indicator of at least one purchaser identity.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for identifying a plurality of users of a service of a network service provider as users known to each other are disclosed. For example, the method implemented via a processor obtains location information of a plurality of users of a service of a network service provider, selects a subset of users from the plurality of users that are deemed to be stationary, generates a score for each particular pair of users selected from the subset of users, determines for each particular pair of users, whether the score that is generated is greater than or equal to a threshold, identifies the pair of users as users who know each other, when the score for the particular pair of users is greater than or equal to the threshold, and performs an analysis to provide an offer to the pair of users, wherein the offer is based on the pair of users being identified as users who know each other.

Abstract: A drive through order system having a vehicle detection system that includes at least two sensors, each affixed to an immovable object, a CPU coupled to a computer readable medium containing instructions to process information from the sensors using fuzzy logic and to output an indicator signal reflecting the presence of a vehicle within a volume sensed by the sensors. In some embodiments, a learn mode supports alteration of fuzzy logic processing parameters. In various embodiments, the system is upgradable and sensor types can be changed and/or new sensors added. In some embodiments, fuzzy logic processing information is modified in dependence upon temporal information.

Abstract: The PreGame payment system is provided to optimize throughput capacity for retail establishment, such as restaurants, bars, grocery stores, or the like, by providing a secure and speedy method of accumulating and paying expenses on a tab maintained with the retail establishment. The PreGame system provides the everyday patron the opportunity to open, track, and close their own tabs with each retailer via their handheld or mobile device, eliminating any physical monetary exchanges or credit card exchanges between the retail staff person and the patron.

Abstract: An on-premises restaurant communication system for communicating a particular customer's table number to a food server at a central service station. Radio Frequency Identifier (RFID) tags are mounted on the underside of the restaurant's tables. The customer is provided with a pager having a pager ID associated with the customer's food order. The pager is modified to include an RFID reader and an RF transmitter. When the customer places the pager on a selected table, the RFID reader reads an RFID number from the table's RFID tag. The RF transmitter transmits the pager ID and RFID number to the central station, which uses this information to associate the food order with the table number. The table number is provided to the food server for delivery of the food order to the proper table.

Abstract: A technique for arbitrating conflicting usage of a communications channel of a wearable communications device is disclosed. In at least one embodiment of the invention, a method includes transmitting a voice signal from a microphone to a portable device using a first communications channel in a first mode of operating a system. The method includes transmitting a monitor signal to the portable device using the first communications channel for a predetermined period of time in response to detection of a beacon signal initiated by an application executing on the portable device. The first and second signals may be ultrasonic signals received over the first communications channel and may have the same frequency and different phases. The beacon signal may be detected based on the first and second signals. The first communications channel may include an audio jack of the portable device.

Abstract: A method for automatically determining a dynamic queue configuration includes acquiring a series of frames from an image source surveying a queue area. The method includes detecting at least one subject in a frame. The method includes tracking locations of each detected subject across the series of frames. The method includes generating calibrated tracking data by mapping the tracking locations to a predefined coordinate system. The method includes localizing a queue configuration descriptor based on the tracking data.

Abstract: Various systems, methods, and apparatuses are described for retrieving a customer check. One example method may comprise generating a list of items included on at least one open check. The example method may further comprise receiving from a customer a selection of an item from the list, wherein the item is included on a check associated with the customer. The example method may further comprise identifying the check associated with the customer based at least in part on the selected item. Similar and related methods, apparatuses, systems, and computer program products are also provided.

Abstract: A determination can be made that a first user is available for a card-less payment transaction with a merchant restaurant. Data describing a booking for a shared financial expense to be incurred at the merchant restaurant can be obtained. The data can describe a second user participating in the group transaction. A total amount due for the shared financial expense can be obtained. A determination can be made that the second user is contributing to the shared financial expense. A respective electronic bill for the first and second users can be generated. Each respective electronic bill can be for an apportioned amount due for the shared financial expense. Data describing the respective electronic bill for the apportioned amount due for the shared financial expense can be sent to the first and second users.

Abstract: Light-based systems for communicating information associated with service orders and/or the identification of personal objects are disclosed. A personal mobile electronic communication device is used in conjunction with a communication network and a lighting controller to communicate service orders by lighting with one or more individually controllable luminaires in a lighting network. A personal mobile electronic communication device is, alternatively or additionally, used in conjunction with a communication network, and a lighting controller controlling an illumination proximate to the personal mobile electronic communication device such that the illumination proximate to the personal mobile electronic communication device visually indicates the service order.

Abstract: An inter-communication system has a security functionality capable of reporting incidents such as abnormalities occurring in a security system. In an inter-communication system, if a communication sound control device receives an alarm from a security system via a main shop processing device, the communication sound control device notifies a predetermined order reception communication device, such as a manager communication device, of the reception of the alarm, and the main shop processing device reports to a preset destination over a communication network.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for measuring ambient conditions in venues using a number of real-time signals, including sound, temperature, light, motion, water usage, vibration, infrared signal and others. Ambient signal data is transmitted to a cloud-based application that stores the signal levels in a database and presents the information in a visual format for use by venues and by consumers. The system can, among other things, provide an overall measure of crowd activity in a venue.

Abstract: A portable personal dispenser assembly comprising a combination of a dispenser and a communication enabled, portable handheld pocket-sized, personal computer in which the pocket-sized personal computer performs compliance monitoring of use of the dispenser and preferably controls and powers the use of the dispenser.

Abstract: The present invention provides an inter-communication system with security functionality capable of reporting incidents such as abnormalities occurring in a security system. In an inter-communication system (100), if a communication sound control device (11) receives an alarm from a security system via a main shop processing device (17), the communication sound control device (11) notifies a predetermined order reception communication device, such as a manager communication device (14), of the reception of the alarm, and the main shop processing device (17) reports to a preset destination over a communication network (35).

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described for providing access to a network via a first one of a plurality of network access nodes in the network. The network access nodes each have a network address associated therewith which is unique on the network, the first network access node having a first network address associated therewith. The first network address is associated with a first computer while the first computer is connected to the first network access node thereby providing access to the network. When implemented at a hospitality structure such as a hotel, as a guest is checking in or in response to some other appropriate event, information regarding the guest's room environment and other preferences in a database record is transmitted from a head-end module to the network access node in the guest's assigned room. The assigned room is then automatically configured to suit the guest's preferences.

Abstract: A restaurant service indicator system method and kit includes a table unit having a processor, memory, a request sent indicator and transmitter that are communicatively linked to server unit having a processor, memory, table status indicator and receiver. The invention also includes a method for receiving, transmitting and displaying service request messages utilizing at least one table unit and server unit. The invention also includes a kit comprising a plurality of table units communicatively linked to a single server unit, a charger and instructions.

Abstract: In combination a fluid dispenser for dispensing fluid and a sound sensing mechanism remote from the fluid dispenser, the fluid dispenser dispensing fluid when activated, the fluid dispenser including a sound generator which generates a sound when the fluid dispenser is activated, the sound sensing mechanism separate from and spaced from the fluid dispenser, the sound sensing mechanism including a sound sensor to sense the sound generated by the sound generator, the sound sensing mechanism including a communication system to transmit data representative of the sound sensed by the sound generator.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for monitoring hygiene compliance.

Abstract: A method for allowing a customer to view and at least partially pay a bill incurred in a bar or a restaurant operating a POS system tracking the bill. The customer operates a mobile computing device running a mobile app communicating with the POS system. The bar or the restaurant has staff. The method includes receiving, via the POS system, check-in data in response to checking-in via the app and payment account data as a security in response to authorizing access to the payment account data via the app. The method includes receiving, via the staff, an order from the customer and associating, via the staff, the order with the payment account data in the POS system. The method includes displaying the bill in real-time via the app. The bill includes the order. The method includes receiving at least partial payment in response to such authorizing via the app.

Abstract: A body-mounted electronic audio device playing prerecorded audio statements automatically issued as directed by wirelessly connected stationary computer decision-making using input from wearers and devices within the workplace environment to support to improve operational efficiency and effectiveness especially those in fast food stores.

Abstract: An identification badge worn by an individual is sensed when that individual enters a lavatory area. The individual is also provided with an indicator device which is worn on or about the hands. Inside or in proximity to the lavatory, there is also provided a hand cleaning area, within which is a portable monitoring dispenser, which includes a pair of indicator readers that detect the presence of the indicator device and cause soap to be dispensed on the individual's hands, then provides an appropriate indication to a computer system. Should the badge sensor sense the individual's departure from the lavatory area without an appropriate indication being generated by the indicator readers, a warning signal is generated, which is sent to the computer system and to an appropriate officer, who can then address the individual.

Abstract: An identification badge worn by an individual is sensed when that individual enters a lavatory. The individual is also provided with an indicator device which is worn on or about the hands. Inside the lavatory, there is also provided a hand cleaning station which includes one or more indicator readers that determines whether the indicator device is in close proximity and dispenses soap on the individual's hands, then provides an appropriate indication to a computer system. Should the badge sensor sense the individual's departure from the lavatory without an appropriate indication being generated by the indicator readers, a warning signal is generated, which is sent to the computer system and to an appropriate officer, who can then address the individual.

Abstract: An electronic communication system for increasing the efficiency of communication between restaurant patrons and wait-staff to enhance the dining experience using remotely connected communication devices. A communication device is used by patrons to electronically signal a desire to order, request service, or request a bill. Similarly, a communication device is worn by wait-staff to receive and acknowledge such requests.

Abstract: A system and method is provided to facilitate the owners of the restaurants in managing their restaurant business and facilitate customers of the restaurants in at least placing orders. The system comprises a local server, plurality of hand held devices and an internet based application. The local server is associated with a restaurant. The restaurant has a plurality of hand held devices, the hand held devices facilitating a customer of the restaurant to place an orders in the restaurant by comunicating with the local server. The internet based application is deployed on a sever; the internet based application sends data to the local server and recieves data from the local server.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing a silent signal to a waiter/waitress that one of service is required and service is not required. The apparatus comprises a base member having a first predetermined shape and formed of a first predetermined material. A signaling member is engageable with the base member and has a second predetermined shape and is formed of a second predetermined material. There is a connecting member for engaging such signaling member to the base member.

Abstract: The present invention describes a restroom attendant system. The restroom attendant system utilizes a notification device placed in a restroom. A patron would select a request for service button when the patron recognizes that the restroom needs servicing. The notification device can include a cancel feature as well as indicators to indicate when a request for service is in process and if the restroom is considered cleaned. The notification device would communicate with either a main terminal or a service person. The main terminal can further monitor the time between cleanings and request that a restroom be serviced should the time since the previous servicing exceeds an acceptable time-span. The information can be stored, printed, and uploaded to a central receiving station.

Abstract: A table designed for use in a restaurant. The table enables a patron of such restaurant to communicate with at least one of a hostess, waiter, waitress, chef and manager at such restaurant. The said table includes at least one leg member. A table top, having a predetermined configuration, is secured to the at least one leg member. Such table top includes at least one screen formed in a top surface thereof to enable viewing pre-selected information. A terminal control panel engages with the table top for at least indicating at least one of the table is in use, the table is being cleaned and the table is ready for seating a patron. Finally, there is a computer device that includes a server connected to the table for communicating with at least one of a hostess, waiter, waitress, chef and manager at such restaurant.

Abstract: Included are methods for providing crowd determination. At least one embodiment of a method includes receiving presence data related to at least one subject in an environment and determining at least one occupancy statistic of the environment from the received presence data. At least one other embodiment of a method includes providing at least one occupancy statistic of the environment.

Abstract: A server signaler includes a lamp and a housing containing a battery and a switch. The server signaler may be attached to an advertising support or placed directly on a table top or other surface. Actuation of the switch illuminates the lamp to alert the server that service is required. Another server signaler according to applicant's invention includes an elongated base and telescoping portions to extend the lamp upwardly above the elongated base. Another server signaler provides a card-receiving channel containing switch contacts which are closed by insertion of a card into the channel.